After one of the longest winters that I can remember, it felt quite exciting to finally put all my winter gear in storage and switch to easy tee shirts and jersey dresses. There was, however, one downside – all the cream, cheese and butter-laden recipes I’d been posting to help you brave the elements, had left a couple of unwanted inches around my waist . Time to go easy on the béchamel, pasta and desserts for a week or so!

Today, I am treating myself to a salad made with red radicchio (probably my favorite leafy vegetable). and the exotic addition of Medjool dates to temper its slight bitterness. Let me know what you think!

Peel the onions and slice them into quarters or eights depending on the size.

Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet on low heat (prefer a heavy or non-stick skillet); add onions and thyme, and cook for 10 minutes covered, stirring often. Sprinkle with the brown sugar and cook, stirring until caramelized. Add the balsamic, and cook covered for 15 more minutes, still stirring frequently to prevent the onions from sticking.

In the meantime, cut the washed and dried radicchio into strips and arrange them into individual bowls. Add the warm, caramelized onions, the cheese shavings and the pitted, coarsely chopped dates.

Deglaze the pan with the remaining 1 or 2 tbsp oil and 2 tbsp water, pour onto the salad (filtering first if needed), and serve!

Welcome to Dinner In Venice. Here in my "Cucina Italiana" I will share with you my favorite recipes and their origins. Join me over the stovetop, or just curl up on the couch while I pour you a virtual caffe', or a glass of sparkling Prosecco. Are you ready?